Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremony for 142 of our affiliated students, each of whom has soared over many hurdles to reach this achievement. Over 500 people were in attendance to accompany the graduates on this exciting occasion.

The dedicated parents wiped away a tear or two, those who have made so many sacrifices for their children to get this far. There’s a strong temptation to pull their kids out of school so they can start contributing a steady income to the struggling family economy. They deserve much recognition for prioritizing education over so many other concerns.

Former affiliated students entertain the graduation gathering.

Our caring staff and volunteers smiled and applauded, they who’ve followed each of the student’s progress closely. The social workers have made home visits to inquire about school attendance, grades, and classroom difficulties. The doctors have guided students and family members back to health so that studies can progress in optimal fashion. And the construction staff has made family homes safer and drier with new cement floors, sturdy roofs, and more efficient stoves.

A nice smattering of sponsors had traveled great distances to be present, those who’ve given the students so much more than their monthly donation to the organization. Jonathan, the master of ceremonies and a former affiliated student, spoke about how much his sponsor meant to him during his schooling, inspiring and motivating him through letters to continue with his education. One couple in attendance had been sponsoring the same student since first grade, finally realizing their shared dream of celebrating his high school graduation together.

This school year has been filled with many obstacles for the students, the parents, the sponsors and Common Hope. But on this day we could all come together and revel in the moment. We’ve all worked very hard to reach this celebration, which will carry us through the next year of challenges, as we push and support the younger students to realize their own goals and reach their own milestones.

Take action in New York City!

Not quite ready to head off for an international volunteering adventure?  Still searching for resources that will help you decide what kind of volunteer project you may want to participate in?

In addition to Idealist, there are lots of great organizations working to connect people with resources in order to make the world a better place.  Recently, we were in New York City and had the chance to stop by the Mercy Corps Action Center. Mercy Corps is a charity that focuses on empowering individuals and communities around the world. In addition to being a huge help in responding to emergencies across the globe, Mercy Corps works hard to alleviate hunger and poverty.

About a year ago, Mercy Corps extended their reach by opening up their first Action Center in New York City.  It’s a space where – through a variety of interactive experiences – visitors can learn about the different kinds of need that exist around the world. After having taken in a bunch of information, visitors have the opportunity to commit to an action – big or small – in order to be a part of positive change. How convenient is that?

We carved out a couple of hours to visit the center and were glad that we made it a part of our time in the city.  Feeling all inspired by the new things we had learned, we committed to several actions before heading back out into the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you’re planning to be in New York City, be sure to take some time to stop by.  It’s a welcome break from the madness. Also, they’ve recently opened up an Action Center in Portland, OR for those of you on the west side of the country.

If you’re not traveling but are in the market for some inspiration and/or information, take a look at the online version of the Action Center.  You’ll find plenty of resources regarding lending a hand in many South American countries.

As Mercy Corps says: Learn. Train. Take action. Make a difference.